New Bridal Shop Opens In Downtown Manchester

MANCHESTER — Asked why she opened a bridal shop on Main Street just a short stroll away from East-West Bridal Boutique, Rebecca Hamilton immediately answered: "Because East-West has been here for 30 years."

"Competition is good," Hamilton said Thursday inside her new store, BW Design Bridal at 785 Main St.

The two stores offer different styles, giving shoppers a choice and making downtown Manchester more of a destination for those planning nuptials and other formal occasions, Hamilton said.

The East-West website, eastbridal.com, says the business opened in 1978 and has been at its current location, 991 Main St., since 1994.

BW Design Bridal opened on Aug. 17. Hamilton, 35, of East Hartford, said she learned her craft at the Fashion Institute of Technology in her native New York City. This is her first business.

The shop sells wedding gowns, bridesmaid, flower girl and quinceanera dresses, and jewelry and other accessories. Hamilton said she also offers custom designs.

Preparing to open the shop, which is in a space formerly occupied by a nail salon, took a year and three months, Hamilton said. With rent payments, merchandise and renovation costs, she said she has invested about $63,000. Hamilton's husband, Azelio Hamilton, helped with the renovations.

The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. Rebecca Hamilton said she is looking to hire two experienced bridal consultants.